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ICD-10 Coding for Polio(A80.9, B91, G14)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Polio. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

PoliomyelitisInfantile Paralysis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Polio

A80Primary Range

Acute poliomyelitis

This range includes all forms of acute poliomyelitis, which is the primary condition of interest.

Sequelae of poliomyelitis

This range covers the long-term effects and sequelae of poliomyelitis.

Postpolio syndrome

This range is used for coding postpolio syndrome, a specific late effect of poliomyelitis.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
A80.9Acute poliomyelitis, unspecifiedUse when acute poliomyelitis is diagnosed with clinical and laboratory confirmation.
  • Acute flaccid paralysis
  • CSF pleocytosis
  • Positive stool PCR for poliovirus
B91Sequelae of poliomyelitisUse for patients with long-term effects of polio, such as limb atrophy.
  • History of poliomyelitis
  • Chronic muscle atrophy or weakness
G14Postpolio syndromeUse when postpolio syndrome is diagnosed with new symptoms in a polio survivor.
  • History of poliomyelitis
  • New muscle weakness or fatigue
  • Exclusion of other causes

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for acute poliomyelitis

Essential facts and insights about Polio

The ICD-10 code for acute poliomyelitis is A80.9, used when lab confirmation and clinical symptoms are present.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for polio

Acute poliomyelitis, unspecified
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of acute flaccid paralysis and lab confirmation

Applicable To

  • Acute paralytic poliomyelitis

Excludes

  • Sequelae of poliomyelitis (B91)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Acute flaccid paralysis
  • CSF pleocytosis
  • Positive stool PCR for poliovirus

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if not confirmed by lab tests

Coding Notes

  • Ensure lab confirmation is documented for acute cases.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Encounter for immunization

Z23
Use for documenting polio vaccination encounters.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Sequelae of poliomyelitis

B91
Used for long-term effects post-recovery from acute poliomyelitis.

Postpolio syndrome

G14
Used for new symptoms like fatigue and weakness in a patient with a history of polio.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Polio to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code A80.9.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential denial of claims due to lack of evidence.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure lab results are included in patient records., Verify documentation before coding.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment leading to reimbursement issues., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure acute cases are coded with A80.x series.

Impact

Failure to sequence codes correctly can lead to audit flags.

Mitigation Strategy

Train staff on proper sequencing rules and conduct regular audits.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Polio, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Polio

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Polio. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Acute Poliomyelitis Diagnosis

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • History of present illness
  • Physical examination findings
  • Laboratory test results

Example Documentation

Patient presents with acute onset of flaccid paralysis. Stool PCR confirms poliovirus. Documented fever and CSF pleocytosis.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient with weakness, possible polio.
Good Documentation Example
Acute onset of flaccid paralysis, confirmed poliovirus in stool PCR, fever, and CSF pleocytosis.
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical findings and lab confirmation, essential for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Polio? Ask your questions below.

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